Official Master's Degree in Tradumatics: Translation Technologies.

Introduction

The Master's Degree in Computer-Assisted Translation: Translation Technologies first emerged in its present format in 2001, with the aim of training up specialists in translation technologies. In the knowledge society the translation process is carried out using technology and translation tools. In fact, the technologies themselves have created the need to translate a great variety of digital formats that can only be translated with the help of specific computer-based tools and resources, such as all digital texts (web pages, smartphone software, televisions, etc.). All areas of specialised translation (scientific and technical or legal translation, for example) also require mastery of these tools. Therefore, today's labour market seeks translators who are familiar with the use of translation technologies and digital formats (as shown by the master's high employability figures; see the Career options section).

This programme now wants to go further, not only providing tools and resources for translation, but also including a wide range of content to help students acquire a competitive professional identity in the language services sector. Basically, this means acquiring the knowledge and skills to carry out several functions in a professional manner: project management, website localisation, multimedia, software, mobile device applications, video games, layouting, quality control, machine translation and post-editing, etc. Technology can thus be seen as no more than a tool to help us work more efficiently and productively in the translation and localisation sector.

The overall aim of the master's degree is to offer graduates in Translation (or similar disciplines) the specialisation they need to find employment in translation and localisation businesses, international organisations and language services, or else to work as freelance translators capable of taking on projects that are complex in terms of volume, subject matter or format.

In recent years, the translation world has changed radically, both in terms of translation technologies and the texts that are being translated. Technology is present at all stages of translation: from receiving the source text, analysing it and preparing the project, actually doing the translation, revising it and finally handing it over. The task of managing this whole process is particularly dependent on technology. For this reason it is important for translators to make sure they are trained in all these areas.

This master's degree prepares its students to take on various professional roles, including those of translation and localisation project managers, translators/localisers of software, websites or video games, and localisation engineers.

Career options

This master's degree conducts regular surveys of its former students in order to obtain data on their professional profiles and employment. The latest surveys show that around 86% of former students are currently working in the translation sector, with the following profiles:

As for the time elapsing between graduation and finding their first job, the results indicate that over half of graduates began their careers within a week of graduating, and over 75% within three months.